Trent Johnson to LSU

by LA Seitz on Apr 9, 2008 10:20 AM PDT

Mike Montgomery signed the deal with Berkeley too soon. Trent Johnson is leaving Stanford and taking the LSU job.

Stanford coach Trent Johnson has a verbal agreement to become the first-ever African American men's basketball coach at LSU.

Sources have told FOXSports.com a news conference is expected on Thursday.

Johnson, who led the Cardinal to the Sweet 16 this season, has agreed in principle to a deal that will take him to LSU, according to sources close to the situation.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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WOW

A true SEC Football school...why would Trent do it?

by bruinhopeful on Apr 9, 2008 10:23 AM PDT reply actions

Well, that came out of nowhere

While Stanford was going to be down next year w/o the Lopezes (and any meaningful guards), leaving there for LSU?!?

by bruinhoo on Apr 9, 2008 10:26 AM PDT reply actions

This is crazy

I am shocked to see Trent leaving Standford, next year is going to be quite different in the Pac

by dijonplease on Apr 9, 2008 10:35 AM PDT reply actions

It makes you wonder

if he would have taken the job if the Lopezes stayed.

So that makes it four Pac 10 schools that will have a different coach next season. That, combined with so many top platers leaving is going to make the Pac 10 rather weak next season.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Apr 9, 2008 10:37 AM PDT reply actions

Who is the 4th?

OSU, Cal & Furd. I'm guessing you're counting Lute at Zona?

This is totally out of left field. I'm shocked to say the least although I can see reasons why he would leave. Furd was already in a world of hurt (No twins) but yikes.

by BlueReign on Apr 9, 2008 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah

Lute coming back to Tucson would be #4.

Randy Bennett to Stanford? I bet Cardinal fan are ecstatic that Monty is going to Berkeley and two weeks later his replacement at Stanford is bolting.

by Raisin on Apr 9, 2008 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions

So does Mike Montgomery....

Pull a Majerus? With the coaching circles so tight you'd think someone would have informed him or hinted that Trent could be leaving.

by Bruin in Denver on Apr 9, 2008 10:42 AM PDT reply actions

Hmmm

didn't see this one coming. Stanford gonna be hurting next year....

by gorams77 on Apr 9, 2008 10:44 AM PDT reply actions

Wow!

Johnson is probably going at a time where his stock is pretty high. And I am sure there were times he couldn't get who he wanted due to Stanford's requirements. Seems reasonably safe to say that will not be an issue at LSU.

So, who is likely to go to Stanford? Randy Bennett perhaps?

http://smcgaels.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/bennett_randy00.html

by Free the 16 on Apr 9, 2008 10:44 AM PDT reply actions

Huh...

I know LSU is not often confused with the Stanfords and MITs of the world, but other than easier entrance requirements for the "student" athletes, is it really a better basketball job? Must be the money. Didn't see this coming. Sorry, tree. Sucks for you guys. Maybe Johnson wanted a school named for a real mascot, instead of just a feminine variation of red.

Of course, as we are waiting for real confirmation of stories from "sources" in the msm, we should wait to hear from Johnson, too.

greg in denver

by gbruin on Apr 9, 2008 10:52 AM PDT reply actions

What the hell is going on?

Stanford fans must be thrilled -- Montgomery at Cal and Johnson out.

Just wait 'til they hire Steve Lavin.

by gilbert on Apr 9, 2008 10:58 AM PDT reply actions

Countdown til Monty skips across town?

Trent's leaving because he knows his team is going to hit a low point next year and his stock is very high right now. Smart move on his part, I think, though I'm not sure why LSU....$$$?

by jjreicher on Apr 9, 2008 12:10 PM PDT reply actions

LSU = SEC

Not too many power conference jobs available, assuming he was looking to move somewhere with relaxed admissions requirements. But I'd imagine he got a pretty nice offer as well.

by LA Seitz on Apr 9, 2008 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Duke's last AD Joe Alleva

is now the AD at LSU. I can't seem to find a connection between the two of them, though.

by Bruin in Denver on Apr 9, 2008 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Per the San Jose Mercury News

Trent Johnson went to LSU via his friend, the one and only Tim Floyd (who we all know has multiple connections to LSU).

by Raisin on Apr 9, 2008 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions

I just diaried it

by bluestreet on Apr 9, 2008 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm pretty sure

your diary beat my comment! Heh.

by Raisin on Apr 9, 2008 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions

I wonder if this is the kind of move ...

that will ruin Stanford's basketball program for the next decade. No recruits, possibly little chance by Stanford to get a good coach, very novice team--they could be hugging the bottom of the PAC10 next year, and that's really saying something given the PAC10 next year.

by dokein on Apr 9, 2008 6:59 PM PDT reply actions

I highly doubt it

People wondered the same after Monty left, but after the first season, Johnson did well with the program. With all the money they have and the commitment they've shown towards their athletic programs, I think they'll be alright. Whoever replaces Johnson may struggle for a year or two and may not go into the final weekend with a shot at the Pac 10 title, but I can't see this ruining the program.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Apr 9, 2008 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Why hit the wall every year?

If you're in a conference with excellent coaches and tough academic standards and you've got a chance to go to a high reputation conference with no academic standards, plus a lot of $$$$, what would you do? Trent's always going to be a 4 or 5 in the conference, so with the SEC down right now, it makes sense. No comment as to the quality (IQ-wise) of players he will now be coaching.

by whittier71 on Apr 10, 2008 4:42 PM PDT reply actions